Help understanding latest MRI?

[matey88]

MRI Brain:
Impressions:
There are no foci of restricted diffusion in the brain to suggest an acute or
recent infarct. There is diffuse prominence of the ventricles and sulci, similar
to the prior exam. No midline shift or mass effect is present. There is normal
patency of the basilar cisterns. The vascular flow voids are maintained within
the major dural venous sinuses and circle of Willis. There is redemonstration of
periventricular and subcortical FLAIR hyperintensities. Three new foci of FLAIR
hyperintensity are visualized, one adjacent to the occipital horn of the left
lateral ventricle on image #15 of series #6, one posterior to the atrium of the
right lateral ventricle on image #18, and one along a right frontal lobe
sulcation on image #22. No associated abnormal enhancement is visualized to
suggest active demyelination. No foci of abnormal susceptibility artifact are
present in the brain. The midline structures of the brain are unremarkable. No
focal calvarial lesions are identified. A 0.8 x 0.5-cm dural-based enhancing
lesion is visualized in the left frontal convexity, as visualized on image #25
of series #7 and image #19 of series #9, compatible with a stable meningioma. No
new or additional enhancing lesions are visualized in the head. The imaged
paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells are clear.

ImpressionsIMPRESSION:
1. Three new foci of FLAIR hyperintensity in the hemispheric white matter, as
above, likely reflecting minimal progression of the patient's reported multiple
sclerosis.
2. Stable MRI of the cervical spine with an unchanged appearance of the plaque
at the C2 level. No new cervical cord lesions are identified.
3. Mild progression in cervical degenerative change at C5-C6. No high-grade
central canal or neural foraminal stenosis is present.
4. Unchanged appearance of a tiny enhancing dural-based mass in the left frontal
convexity with imaging characteristics of a stable tiny incidental meningioma.

[BOK2Bjan]

Oops - it posted before I even finished a sentence! As I was saying....the 3 new lesions, might have been significant had you had a recent relapse. Since I don't know your MS journey, I certainly can't say for certain. My main point is merely the tendency of physicians to keep their report to the patient very simple. Personally - I don't like it!

I hope you're doing well, and are indeed stable. Blessings to you.

[BOK2Bjan]

I have discovered that most physicians feel that the less you tell a patient, the better. They usually tell you the most significant findings, but don't add many details, nor any peripheral information of what they believe to be clinically insignificant findings.

Sometimes they're right - patients often fret unnecessarily when they know every detail of an MRI. But it sometimes creates problems. As in your case, finding out, and not having an appropriate explanation. I've had results not revealed to me in the past - resulting in a very surprising dx of MS and a few heart conditions to boot. I get all my test results now. I don't fret. I don't borrow trouble for myself either. But I also don't get blindsided by surprise diagnosis!

Also, since the lesion load is not directly correlated with disease severity or disability, the 3 ne

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

The radiologist indicates in your MRI report that you have a preexisting diagnosis of MS, and his/her 'impressions' are basically whats most relevant or whats changed since your last brain and spinal MRI's....

..point (1) notes 3 new brain lesions which is the only specific additional abnormality found in relation to MS, point (3) notes there is some mild cervical degenerative disc progression and points (2 & 4) notes there is still the 1 spinal cord lesion that was there before and the same tiny incidental meningioma that was there before.

1. Three new foci of FLAIR hyperintensity in the hemispheric white matter, as above, likely reflecting minimal progression of the patient's reported multiple
sclerosis.

*Three new foci of FLAIR hyperintensity are visualized, one adjacent to the occipital horn of the left lateral ventricle on image #15 of series #6, one posterior to the atrium of the right lateral ventricle on image #18, and one along a right frontal lobe

3. Mild progression in cervical degenerative change at C5-C6. No high-grade central canal or neural foraminal stenosis is present.

*see your spinal MRI impressions

Hope that helps......JJ

[matey88]

What I thought in regards to the meningioma. However, this was the first MRI it was ever mentioned or noted so I was a bit confused. When they called all they said was my MS was stable and no mention of the 3 new lesions. So when I read it when I copied from my chart, I was a bit confused. Don't get me wrong, SO HAPPY to be stable but was just a bit confused by nothing mentioned when I got the call.  I am blessed to wake another day, so I guess I should be thankful :) Thank you.